P30 versus HK45 questions

18095 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by P30, Mar 19, 2014

omega21

Discussion Starter · Mar 7, 2012

Looking at my next HK and am considering these two firearms. I am not anywhere where I can go and hold either of these. Other than the bigger caliber and bigger pricetag, what's the difference between these two pistols? I know the P30 comes in a few versions (LEM, safety, etc) and a long slide version (sweet!), but are there fundamental differences in design? Is the HK just a beefed up P30 in .45?
Also, can someone please tell me the length difference between the P30 and P30L?
Thanks all, I really appreciate it!

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TooSixy

· #2 · Mar 7, 2012

Fundamental differences are:
1. HK45 decocker is on the frame, P30's is on the slide.
2. Interchangeable side inserts on P30, none on HK45
3. P30 comes with S, M, and L backstraps. HK45 comes with M and L.
4. Safety + decocker on same lever on HK45, separate safety lever and decocker on P30S

The P30L is about 1/2 inch longer than the P30. Let me know if you want some pics.

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omega21

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 7, 2012

First, thanks. Secondly, HOLY SMOKES!!! That's a hell of a collection!!!
So I used to own an USP40 and the the safety lever doubled as the decocker - is that what the HK45 is like? I like that system. Seems like the push button decocker on the back of the P30 would be awkward - or is it easily pressed with your thumb?
Hope you don't mind all the questions, I really appreciate this insight!

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TooSixy

· #4 · Mar 7, 2012

Not a problem. Mine is nothing. You should have seen frogman's collection. :wink:
Yes, the HK45 safety + decocker is like the USP/USPc. I believe the decocker on the P30 series was designed to be operated with your support thumb.

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omega21

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 7, 2012

So I'd be interested in hearing what you like/don't like about the two models, i.e. pros and cons from your experience having both. What's in the 45 that makes it worth $100 more?
Also, I'm trying to figure out what's going on with the two guns at the base of the magwell. Why are the magazine bases different? Esthetics? Does this have to do with why the HK45 magazine is about twice the price of the P30 mag?

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_JD_

· #6 · Mar 7, 2012

TooSixy said:
Not a problem. Mine is nothing. You should have seen frogman's collection. :wink:
Yes, the HK45 safety + decocker is like the USP/USPc. I believe the decocker on the P30 series was designed to be operated with your support thumb.

It's also pretty easy to use your strong hand thumb (assuming one is right handed) to decock the gun as typically the thumb will ride that spot on the slide if the "thumb-capping" method is used during re-holstering.

Omega, the HK45 comes in different variants as well, the Variants are numbered differently than the P30, but there's more than just the DA/SA with Safety/Decocker

The P30 features a "hooked" trigger guard while the Hk45 does not. The HK45 has a slightly better reset than the P30, at least as far as DA/SA is concerned, not sure when comparing a Hk45 LEM to a P30 LEM

The P30S has metal control levers, the Hk45 has plastic...excuse me....polymer control levers.
Of course there's always the difference in capacity the P30 holds 15+1 while the Hk45 holds 10+1 to be considered as well.

The P30 features a "captured" slide release/stop lever assy. while the HK45 does not...for some reason I find myself preferring the Hk45's lever assy. but over time that may change.

Both are great guns, I love my Hk45, I'm still warming up to the P30S.

Also, don't forget to look at the Hk45C if you are looking at these two for carry. While the HK45 is only slightly larger than a P30, it's still a pretty good sized gun.

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_JD_

· #7 · Mar 7, 2012

omega21 said:
So I'd be interested in hearing what you like/don't like about the two models, i.e. pros and cons from your experience having both. What's in the 45 that makes it worth $100 more?
Also, I'm trying to figure out what's going on with the two guns at the base of the magwell. Why are the magazine bases different? Esthetics? Does this have to do with why the HK45 magazine is about twice the price of the P30 mag?

I recall reading somewhere that the reason for the big rubberized bottom of the HKmag was for greater damage resistance when dropped from the gun. The Hk45 mag is taller then the P30 mag and in regards to the P30 mag, to give enough room for a full grip with no fingers hanging off the front strap, they put that little lip down there to keep the pinky in place. Those of us with larger hands WILL eventually pinch our pinky during mag changes with guns featuring a somewhat abbreviated grip.

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omega21

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 7, 2012

JD, folks like you and TooSixy are why this forum is the best on the net! Thank you! I'm looking at a traditional DA/SA trigger not the LEM. Since I;m in Maryland there is no carrying so size is not an issue (that's what she said!). So I actually like the "hooked" trigger guard on the P30. The fact that the P30 has metal control levers is a plus in my eyes (I like the feel). The capacity delta on a 40 vs 45 is only 3 rounds but the fact that magazines for the 45 as sooo much more expensive is a major consideration in favor of the P30.

Is the P30L longer than the HK45?

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_JD_

· #9 · Mar 7, 2012

omega21 said:
JD, folks like you and TooSixy are why this forum is the best on the net! Thank you! I'm looking at a traditional DA/SA trigger not the LEM. Since I;m in Maryland there is no carrying so size is not an issue (that's what she said!). So I actually like the "hooked" trigger guard on the P30. The fact that the P30 has metal control levers is a plus in my eyes (I like the feel). The capacity delta on a 40 vs 45 is only 3 rounds but the fact that magazines for the 45 as sooo much more expensive is a major consideration in favor of the P30.

Is the P30L longer than the HK45?

You're welcome!

The levers are only an issue if you're looking at the "S" variant. A typical DA/SA P30 does not have the safety levers. As for Maryland, you guys just had a judge declare that the "good and sufficient reason" to get a carry permit is unconstitutional, so the carry thing may be "fixed" sooner rather than later so keep that in mind. I do find that the P30 conceals just a tad bit better than the Hk45 due to the shorter grip, and as the P30L and P30 have the same grip length, that's a non-issue.

According to the HK Website , the P30L is just slightly longer than the HK45.

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dohc97

· #10 · Mar 19, 2014

I too am in Maryland. I have the P30L and am looking around to find and fondle an HK45 fro size comparison. This might be my next handgun, depending on the grip size.

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TooSixy

· #11 · Mar 19, 2014

You resurrected a 2-year old thread for this?

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P30

· #12 · Mar 19, 2014 (Edited)

dohc97 said:
I have the P30L and am looking around to find and fondle an HK45 fro size comparison. This might be my next handgun, depending on the grip size.

I prefer the P30. I owned an HK45, too, but gave it back to my dealer.

Main reasons:
1. In the country where I live, it's not easy to get a gun license and nearly impossible to get as many licenses as the heart desires.
2. Even with the small backstrap, the grip of the HK45 is bigger than the grip of the P30 with the medium backstrap. The grip of the HK45 has the shape of a long oval. It's not thick but long, especially at the lower part of the grip. For me (medium size palms, rather long fingers), the HK45 grip was too big. And the 45 has a stronger recoil, so the gun shifted in my hands when I shot it. The P30 in 9 mm does not shift. I mainly use it for IPSC shooting, the P30 is better for IPSC.
3. The P30 grip was designed by Karl Nill, which is probably the best company for pistol grip design in the world. It fits into my hand like it was made for me.

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